JUDGE JURY and MONSTER (2020) song by Gregory Esparza

 Original song JUDGE JURY & MONSTER (2020) by Gregory Esparza of Thee Midniters 6/14/2020 at 12:45 AM This song is dedicated to everyone that has experienced abuses of power by the police. This song was originally titled "Good Cop" but was changed, since JUDGE JURY & EXECUTIONER is what many black and brown people encounter on the streets across America. There is no justice when instead of a day in court for actual and or alleged minor crimes, a person gets a coffin. When I sing to the "Good Cop," I contemplate that even if their intentions are good when they joined the force, they have not been able to change its culture of abuse. I ask, "Where is the good cop?" as the voice of reason, especially in cases like George Floyd's. There were four cops that day in May and not one of them had the sense to deescalate the situation especially on a subdued person. Not one of them said enough! That is what is wrong and outright frightening about the policing today. That Floyd's neck could be anyone of our necks and no one will step in to stop the atrocity. Pleas were left unheeded in broad daylight with the cameras rolling and still, a complete disregard to voices of reason from the witnesses for the officers to stop. So, was it four bad cops that day on Floyd? Or, were there three good cops that did not have the guts to speak up, or is the entire policing culture outright that is corrupt? I believe it is the culture. Policing has its roots in slave patrols beginning in the 19th century. Right now, we are at an unconscionable place with policing in our nation. I hope for change. Black Lives Matter. When I say that on behalf of our black brothers and sisters, it is about their history of abuses as a community that we as brown communities also endure. To say cheer for Black Lives for justice is to find justice for us all, for all marginalized people in America. I hope for true living change.